The efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the serious global problems. There were wide concerns about whether Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor was an alternative treatment for AD.

Method

Eight databases were searched from the earliest publication date available to January 2, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials comparing JAK inhibitors with control treatment for AD. Data were pooled using Stata.14 software and performed as mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% CIs. We did subgroup analysis based on specific outcomes.

Results

A total of studies, ten randomized controlled trials, with 2583 patients were included in the final synthesis. This meta-analysis showed JAK inhibitor resulted in significant improvement on EASI total score (MD = −0.31; 95%CI, −0.46 to –0.17; p = .000; I² = 90.0%, p = .000) and pruritus numerical rating scale (NRS) score (MD = −1.15; 95%CI, −1.48 to –0.83; p = .000; I² = 95.9%, p = .000), without the higher risk of total adverse effects (RR = 1.02; 95%CI, 0.90–1.16; p = .745; I² =27.9%, p = .206).

Conclusions

JAK inhibitor was a promising option for atopic dermatitis. More data and surveillance will be needed to identify efficacy, safety, and the risk of adverse effects.

Keywords:

• Janus kinase inhibitor
• atopic dermatitis
• systematic review
• meta-analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).